2017 Hyundai Elantra ECO Sedan: Functional Transportation, Now Better [Review]

2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco
[photo: Arv Voss]
Hyundai enters its sixth generation of Elantra production this year in a big way, with two new engines, a new platform, new suspension and new styling, with a bold and dynamic design, as well as advanced safety and technology features. Structurally, the new Elantras utilize 53 percent high strength steel – an increase over the previous 21 percent. Torsional and Bending rigidity have both also been increased by more than 25 percent. Ride quality is enhanced thanks to rear suspension revisions, and NVH quality is also improved for a quieter ride.

NOTE: Photos featured here are of the newly available 2017 Hyundai Elantra Value Edition.

Hyundai-Elantra-Eco-LSD
[photo: Arv Voss]

WHAT’S NEW

The co-efficient of drag is now 0.27. Out back, the Elantra displays width and stability, sitting low over the wheels and tires. There is a smart hands-free trunk with a proximity key, along with available LED taillights. The wheelbase and height remain the same as last year’s Elantra, but the overall length and width are increased for 2017 5-passenger, mid-size sedan models.

Elantra pricing starts at $17,150 in SE trim ($100.00 less than in 2016) with a manual transmission and tops out at $26,750 for the Limited Ultimate. Add freight charge of $835 for all trim levels. ECO pricing begins at $20,650. The base price of my ECO test car was set at $20,650, while the final total came to $21,610 after adding the carpeted floor mats and Inland Freight and Handling charge.

All test vehicles during the national press introduction were in Limited Ultimate trim. The base price of my Scarlet Red metallic tester with the Black interior was set at $22,350, which escalated to $$27,710, after adding the Tech and Ultimate Packages and Inland Freight and Handling Fee. Most recently, I was later afforded the opportunity to test the New 2017 Hyundai Elantra ECO.

Hyundai-Elantra-Eco-Eng
[photo: Arv Voss]

PERFORMANCE

Propelling the new Elantra lineup are two all-new powertrains: a Nu 2.0-liter MPI Atkinson Cycle 4-cylinder that makes 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm along with 132 pound feet of torque at 4,500 rpm driving the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission; or a Kappa 1.4-liter T-GDI, four-cylinder that generates 128 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 156 pound feet of torque in a range from 1,400 to 3,700 rpm. The 2.0 – liter engine is available now in SE, Limited and Ultimate trim level Elantras, while the latter powers the Eco model. It will also drive the front wheels, but via a 7-speed Dual Clutch automatic transmission. The new Hyundai Elantras will all feature user-selectable drive modes: an efficient Eco mode; a well-balanced Normal Mode; and a dynamic Sport Mode.

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra ECO is an affordable, fuel-efficient, ideal mid-size, 5-passenger sedan. It accelerates nicely, albeit a bit on the “buzzy” side when prodded with gusto, the automatic transmission shifts smoothly, and the ride quality is both stable and comfortable. The Ultimate model boasts the same desirable attributes, but is not as economical to operate as the ECO. Handling characteristics lean to the sporty side of the performance chart, and switchgear is both user-friendly and intuitive.

Hyundai-Elantra-Eco-Dsh
[photo: Arv Voss]

COMFORT & CONVENIENCE

The Elantra Eco shares the same aerodynamic design and signature hexagonal grille with the rest of the Hyundai Elantra line-up, but distinguishes itself with an “Eco” badge and unique 15-inch alloy wheels. Standard vertical LED daytime running lights add a distinctive front light signature along with thoughtful door handle welcome lights for improved visibility at night. The Eco also includes Elantra’s segment-exclusive hands-free Smart Trunk, allowing drivers to conveniently open the trunk if their hands are full by simply approaching the rear of the vehicle with the key fob in a purse or pocket. An audible beep will sound three times, and the trunk will automatically open, making it easy to place items in the cargo area.

Moving to the inside, the Elantra offers the same interior volume as the premium class Cadillac CTS, and more than Audi’s A4 and BMW’s 3-Series, while the refined dynamics provide a simplified, yet modern and driver-oriented layout and feel that emphasizes the high tech detailed execution. The wide design of the Instrument panel delivers a sense of spaciousness, in a contemporary and intuitive form.

Interior highlights include: Leather seating with heated front and rear seats, a Premium instrument panel with a 4.2-inch color LCD electroluminescent cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, a 60/40 split folding rear seat with a center armrest, dual automatic temperature control with an auto-defogger, a 7-inch display for the audio system, an available 8-inch touchscreen navigation system, Dual-charging USB port; integrated Memory System; and Hyundai’s BlueLink connectivity features.

The Eco prominently features a 7.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with rearview camera and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. These smartphone integration options prevent driver distraction by providing seamless and intuitive operation of the most commonly used compatible smartphone functions including: app-based navigation; streaming audio; voice-controlled search capabilities; plus any approved smartphone apps. Additional premium convenience features for the Eco include proximity key with push-button start, heated front seats, dual automatic temperature control, and a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel with audio, cruise and phone controls.

Safety technology features include: Automatic Emergency Brake with Pedestrian Detection and Smart Cruise Control; Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist System and Rear View Camera with Dynamic Guidelines; Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Lane Change Assist.

Hyundai-Elantra-Eco-Tail
[photo: Arv Voss]
TFLCAR’s TAKE: The new Elantra lineup is very attractive and is capable of more than holding its own with competitors in the mid-size sedan segment, and, at a much lower price, content not withstanding. Bottom-line, this latest seventh generation Elantra in all trims is a winner in every respect, and it is likely to continue as an impressive sales leader for Hyundai.

SPECIFICATIONS: 2017 Hyundai Elantra ECO Sedan

  • Base Price: $22,350, Price as Tested: $27,710
  • Engine Type and Size: Nu 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16-valve MPI Atkinson Cycle four-cylinder / or Kappa 1.4-liter DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder turbocharged GDI
  • Horsepower (bhp): 147 @ 6,200 rpm 2.0-liter / 128 @ 5,500 rpm 1.4-liter turbo
  • Torque (ft./ lbs.): 132 @ 4,500 rpm 2.0-liter / 156 @ 1,400-3,700 rpm 1.4-liter turbo
  • Transmissions: ECO – 7-speed EcoShift Dual Clutch automatic
  • Drive Train: Transversely mounted front engine / Front-Wheel Drive.
  • Suspension: Front – Independent, MacPherson strut with coil springs, hydraulic twin-tube gas-filled shock absorbers,and 22 mm stabilizer bar
  • Rear – Coupled torsion beam axle with gas-filled, hydraulic monotube shock absorbers and coil springs
  • Brakes: Power-assisted vented discs front / solid rear drum with 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution.
  • Tires: Nexen NPriz P225/45 R17 91W M&S mounted on alloy wheels
  • Wheelbase: 106.3 inches
  • Length Overall: 179.9 inches
  • Width: 70.9 inches
  • Height: 56.5 inches
  • Curb Weight: 2,767-2,932 lbs. SE– M/T – 2,811-2,976 lbs.
  • Turning Circle: 34.78 ft.
  • Fuel Capacity: 14.0 gallons
  • EPA Mileage Estimates: 32 mpg city / 40 mpg highway
  • Drag Coefficient: 0.27